Lindale Chronic Silicosis

Homeowners and employeesmay inhale to dangerous levels of silica dust when cutting, drilling, grinding, or otherwise disturbing materials that contain silica. These materials and tasks are common on construction jobs. Breathing that dust can lead to serious, often fatal illnesses. Know torecognize the hazard and understand the risk factors with silica.

There are wayscontractorscan reduce the dust and reduce the hazard. Selecting appropriate controls, and creating a job-specific plan to eliminate or reduce silica hazards is essential for any tile removal or wood floor removal.

Lindale

Bleach For Mold Remediation - Good Or Bad Decision?

– Entrust is to an Expert

Molds, mildews and fungi can be found everywhere, indoors or outdoors. They can be found in just about any household object and even in the air we breath. Molds love humid and dark places that lack circulating air, they can grow rapidly in such environments.

Many types of molds, mildews and fungi are not very harmful. In the case of Penicillium they have even been life saving. There is a dark side though. A number of molds can be dangerous to your health. The EPA estimates that there are about 50-100 types of household mold that can potentially create health problems.

These problems include; allergic reactions, asthma attacks, flu-like symptoms, migraines and much more. Some studies have shown that mold can even be linked to nervous and immune system complications that have resulted in death.

Mold is a serious problem and preventative measures may be the best way of ensuring your health. These 5 tips will kick start your mold defense.

1. Use a Dehumidifier - Dehumidifying units are reasonably priced these days and should be used in the damp areas of your house. If you have a humidity in the 60% range (or higher) you should consider using a dehumidifier. It will help clear the air of moisture, and mold needs moisture to propagate. If you decide to use a dehumidifier remember to change the water frequently, and disinfect the unit to make sure it doesn't become mold infested itself.

2. Stay on Top of Your Cleaning - Anywhere that is dirty, moist and dungy is a good breeding ground for mold. If you have spots like this around your house, make sure to diligently clean them. A quick wipe isn't enough - scrub with a water and bleach combination to really prevent mold from forming. Make sure you are properly ventilated when using such chemicals.

3. Improve Air Circulation - Certain areas in your house traditionally suffer from poor air circulation. Places like the attic, basement and closets are the most likely spots. There are ways to make sure the air keeps circulating. Install ceiling fans in the basement, install vented doors on closets and make sure you have an adequate number of roof vents in the attic. Make sure the air keeps circulating all over your house. This can help stop mold from beginning to grow.

4. When Spills or Leaks Occur: Act Quickly - One of the most effective ways to make sure mold doesn't begin forming in your house is to act quickly when leaks, floods or spills happen. If wet materials or areas are dried within 24-48 hours, it is most likely that mold wont even begin to form! Dry areas quickly and properly. If some object or material isn't going to dry quick enough, remove it or replace it.

5. If All Else Fails: Call in a Pro - Most towns have some sort of cleaning and/or restoration company that is designed to deal with these problems. If you suspect a serious mold problem in your house - contact them. They have the tools, knowledge and safety equipment to deal with serious mold problems. They can properly assess and treat the threat. Make sure you get recommendations and that the company is insured.

If you follow the first four steps, you may never need the fifth. If mold does become a huge problem though, don't ignore it. If you see a lot of mold, that is a sign there may be A LOT more that you can not see - that is when you need to have a professional come in.

Mold can be prevented, and in worst case scenarios it can be removed and your house restored. For More Info on the Dangers of Mold:

Highland Restoration

Mold Inspections - Make the Best Choice

Mold & Moisture

The crawl space is the number one source for potential moisture entering your home. The moisture may be equal to gallons of water but in vapor form and not even visible. A seal tight liner kit will instantly stop the moisture in the crawl space from entering home as well as eliminating radon gas, musty odors, mildew and mold.

"The U.S. EPA states: "Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds produce allergens, irritants and potentially toxic substances. The key to mold control is moisture control. The mold will not grow if moisture is not present (source: EPA " A Brief Guide to Mold, Mildew and Your Home," publication #402-K-02-003)."

Eliminate the Existing Mold

To eliminate and prevent future mold growth, spray the affected areas with a mold killing and growth preventing spray, there are good products for purchase at your local building supply house.

My Take on the Problems with Bleach

The Myth Of Using Bleach To Kill Mold! Mold has a root system that actually grows into the surfaces of wood, drywall, concrete, etc..., like tree roots grow into the soil. The roots are not killed by bleach alone because the bleach does not penetrate the surface of porous materials. The bleach chemical portion sits on the surface until gassing off, killing only the mold on the surface leaving the roots intact, while the water portion of the bleach soaks into the material giving the mold roots a food source to start growing again. Think of it this way, if you were to cut a tree, plant, grass, or anything that has roots down and you water the area, you will see what you cut start to grow again. This is because the roots were not killed. The other problem with using bleach for an extended period is that if sprayed on wood and other building materials it actually starts to break down the products.

STOPPING MOLD AT THE ROOTS IS THE ONLY WAY!!!

Chlorine Bleach is NOT a registered EPA Mold Killing product!

If you think that we're just knocking bleach. Don't take our word for it! Go to http://epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/index.html and read what the EPA has to say about using bleach to kill mold. The EPA says that "The use of bleach is not recommended as a routine practice during mold clean-up" http://iaq.custhelp.com question #7.

Now you might ask: How do I kill mold if not with bleach?

Answer: Use an EPA approved and registered fungicide to kill the mold at its roots.